LOUISE: Dancing Through Life

Written by Louise Tucker Jones in the February 2014 Issue

Eleven years ago, Gaylen and
Nelson Ford met at a “senior dance” and have been dancing through life ever
since. They were 57 and 61 years old, respectively, and neither was seeking a
relationship, both having been through painful divorces and Nelson had also
been widowed. “I didn’t trust myself to find the right man
for me,” said Gaylen.

“I told God, if I was to have another partner
in life, I wanted a godly, faithful, trustworthy, one-woman man.”

At the same time, in another
town, Nelson was telling God much the same about finding a new mate in his
later years. Who would have guessed that God would answer their prayers at a
dance in Checotah, Oklahoma, halfway between their homes?

The fateful event happened at a
Waterfall Dance­—where men lined up on one side of the room and ladies on the
other. The woman scooted across the floor and met her mystery partner, then the
gentleman danced her back to the other side. It was Nelson and Gaylen’s first meeting.
Who could imagine that two months later they would become lifelong partners?

At first, the two simply met at
dances and for coffee or tea. Both were cautious with this new relationship.
Then one night, a woman sat next to Nelson without invitation. Nelson
immediately took Gaylen onto the dance floor and said, “I’m not here with
anyone. I want you to know you have absolutely nothing to worry about.” He
walked her to her car and kissed her goodnight for the first time. Gaylen got
into her vehicle and announced to her friend, “I’m going to marry that man!”

What she didn’t know was that
Nelson had a similar experience. He had been watching an old rerun of “Mel’s
Diner” on TV when the waitress, Flo said, “If you see something you want, you
need to jump in with both feet.” Nelson leaned forward and spoke to the TV.
“I’m jumping!”

Soon, Nelson drove to Henryetta
to visit Gaylen. Next, she drove to Enterprise to attend church with Nelson. On
Thanksgiving, they decided to share the holiday with each other’s families in
order to meet their grown children—Nelson’s two sons and Gaylen’s two sons and
daughter, along with spouses and grandchildren.

In December, while trying to
plan a Christmas get-together, for both families, the couple decided to make
their relationship permanent and told their speechless children they were
getting married. On December 22, 2002, the couple was married at a small church
that Nelson helped build in Keota, Oklahoma, blessed by the presence of several
family members and a few close friends.

Both Nelson and Gaylen, who now
make their home in Stigler, say it has been an interesting journey. “Our golden
years have sometimes turned into tin foil,” said Gaylen, speaking of some
health challenges. She has had two knee replacements and Nelson has survived
three strokes as well as triple bypass surgery. “But taking care of each other
has just made our marriage stronger.”

People are often shocked to find
the couple has been married only eleven years, thinking they are lifelong
mates. “I just tell them we’re old newlyweds,” said Gaylen.

Just goes to show that it is
never too late to find true love or your soul
mate as the couple refers to each other. They’re always planning new
adventures, taking it day by day.

This is such a beautiful story of two beautiful people! I have known Nelson and his family for 40 years, and my husband performed their wedding, so we have watched this love story, even the tin foil episodes, from the beginning. Their devotion to each other is genuine; they laugh through things that would exasperate others; and they do appear to gave had a lifetime relationship. Thanks so much for recognizing our lovely friends!

Pat Bissett Says:

February 4th, 2014 at 5:19 am

I was so deeply moved by this story that tears were actually running down my cheeks by the time I finished reading it. Louise, you have such a special gift for writing! Keep up the good work!

Judy Wainwright Says:

February 4th, 2014 at 9:22 am

Lou, that was sweet story.

Mary Buchanan Says:

February 4th, 2014 at 10:50 am

Lou, this is one of the best storys, todate because it's about someone I, too, have know all my life and have seen Gaylen bloom in her love and life with Nelson. I pray that God will bless them with many more years together. Thanks for writing their story.

Barbara Davidson Says:

February 4th, 2014 at 6:03 pm

Love the true story. God truly blessed them both. You have a beautiful gift with words...love your stories.

Joyce Kerchee Says:

February 5th, 2014 at 8:28 pm

Great story about great people. I love your stories, Lou. Believe me, it's never too late in life to find true love !!